
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Global technology titan Honda (NYSE:HMC) this month announced the 1st large-scale clinical study of its Walking Assist Device, a battery- and motor-powered exoskeleton that the company called "stylish."
The technology was designed to assist patients with reduced mobility due to illness, stroke or other causes, featuring "cooperative control technology" that activates motors based on hip angle sensors, similar to what the company used in its ASIMO humanoid robot.
"As a mobility company, Honda envisions a society where all people can experience the joy and freedom of personal mobility," environmental business development office manager Ryan Harty said in prepared remarks. "We are committed to leveraging our research into humanoid robotics to improve people’s lives."
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Both advocates and opponents of extra regulation for certain high-risk medical devices that are permitted to market through the FDA’s less stringent 510(k) pathway aim to enhance patients safety, the former by calling for more clinical trials to demonstrate that a device is safe and effective and the latter by clearing hurdles for live-saving devices.
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American Diabetes Assn. presents rapper Lil Jon with Chair Citation
Rapper and Grammy Award winner Lil Jon was the recipient of the American Diabetes Assn.’s Chair Citation Award in recognition of his spokesman-ship for the group, which he selected as his charity of choice while participating in the reality TV show "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice." Shortly after the season finished taping, Lil Jon’s mother passed away from complications associated with Type II diabetes.
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Scalpel of youth: Weight-loss surgery may "reduce aging"
Surgical weight-loss, such as gastric bypass surgery, may play a role in decreasing aging, as evidenced by longer telomeres, an age-related biomarker found on the end of chromosomes.
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The blood glucose eye exam: Transporting cells to study diabetes
Researchers reported success in transplanting insulin-producing cells from the pancreas into the eye, making them easily observable and creating a "window" into the function of the pancreas, a finding that researchers say may "have a significant impact on diabetes research."
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